555 Timer circuit simulation software

[FightCube] wrote in recommending a very helpful piece of circuit simulation software for those of you still constructing entries for the 555 design contest. LTSpiceIV, available from Linear Technology, allows you to construct moderately complex 555 driven circuits including common components such as capacitors, resistors, diodes, FETs, and more. Once you have constructed your circuit, you can view the results in an easy to use visualization window, without ever having to touch your soldering iron or a breadboard. According to [FightCube], the software is fairly easy to use, and best of all, it’s free.

He has shared one basic circuit he built as a demonstration of the software’s capabilities, and promises to share more in order to motivate others to enter the contest.

@Apexys – Yes LTspice (aka SwitcherCAD) has been out for years, and they keep improving it and making it better… all for free! Linear Technologies didn’t submit the article, I did this just for the 555 timer contest ;-)

I have to chime in and say you NEED this program. Not just for 555 circuits. This program got me through my engineering degree. Everything from verifying simple RLC behviour in my labs to simulating precision current sources, high gain amplifiers, and discrete Opamp designs.

It would have to be one of the most powerful and versatile free systems available and if you can find the right SPICE model for your device there’s very little it can’t do in the realms of SPICE simulations.